Written Answers Nos. 86-110
87. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the warmer homes scheme application process (details supplied) is taking so long; if more resources will be allocated to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45123/20]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. Budget 2021 provided €109 million in capital funding to support lower income households to retrofit their homes with €100 million of this funding allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents a €47 million increase on the 2020 allocation and is the highest ever budget for this scheme. In addition to the increased budget, capacity by the industry to deliver more activity has also increased due to a new, broader contractor panel to provide works which commenced at the end of 2020. Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need will also be finalised shortly.
There are currently over 7,000 homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are: currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor, or are awaiting the initial survey of their home. Eligible homes are allocated on a first come, first served basis, and the average time between application and allocation to a contractor is now 22 months. The wait time is a result of strong demand for what is an extremely popular scheme. Wait times were also impacted by changes to the scheme introduced in 2018 which expanded and enhanced the range of energy efficiency measures available as well as an extension of eligibility rules. COVID-19 related restrictions have also impacted waiting times under the scheme. Works are currently suspended in line with the public health measures in place under Level 5 as announced by Government on 6 January. Works will recommence as soon as the public health advice allows.
The Deputy may wish to note that there are other grants and schemes available from Government that could assist their constituent if there is an urgent need. These include the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DEASP offices and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Housing Aid for Older People Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.
88. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will allow used timber, that is waste and used timber recovered from construction, to be collected and segregated for use as biomass in view of the fact it is been currently exported for use as biomass to other jurisdictions. [45125/20]
View answerArticle 28 of the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, S.I. No. 126 of 2011, sets out the grounds by which a material which is recovered or recycled from waste can be deemed to be no longer a waste. As the designated competent authority, decisions regarding applications for end-of-waste status are the responsibility of the EPA and accordingly, questions in relation to specific applications are more appropriately directed to the Agency. Further information on the end of waste process is available on the EPA’s website at www.epa.ie. I am very conscious of the importance of the End of Waste in the transition to a more circular economy, in particular in relation to the construction sector. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy which I launched in September this year, has a dedicated chapter on End of Waste, and commits to a number of measures including:
- Working with stakeholders to streamline the process;
- Examining whether certain end of waste decisions should be determined by local authorities rather than the EPA;
- Establishing a working group to develop national end of waste applications for identified priority waste streams, which would obviate the need for individual applications within those streams;
- Introducing a fee for end-of-waste applications to help fund the process and encourage high quality applications.
My officials have already had initial engagement with regulatory authorities and with private sector stakeholders in relation to these measures, and will be working to advance progress in these areas over the coming months.
89. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of post offices which were permanently closed in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1021/21]
View answerThe information requested is an operational matter for An Post and not one in which I, as Minister, have a statutory function.
90. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 26 November 2020, if he will instruct Eircode to assign a number to a property (details supplied). [1039/21]
View answerCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode". Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
An Post have informed my officials that they have updated both properties address data on their systems and this information should then be issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Eircode. In addition, Eircode has advised my officials that they have raised a case with An Post GeoDirectory in relation to these addresses. My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for these two property addresses.
92. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views in relation to energy security and climate action; the way in which this relates to a proposal to develop liquefied natural gas facilities at the Port of Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1352/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out that, as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality, it does not make sense to develop LNG terminals that import fracked gas. The Programme for Government is clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and commits to developing a policy statement to establish that approach. This policy statement is being developed by my Department and includes consideration of any necessary legal and regulatory provisions. This includes detailed examination of the European energy and environmental frameworks, in which our national laws operate, to ensure the policy statement will be legally robust. It is intended that the policy will apply to all LNG facilities in the State including the project referenced by the Deputy. Once finalised, I intend to bring the policy statement to Government for approval.
In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. This review will include a detailed technical analysis and a public consultation and I expect it to be completed by the end of this year.
93. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the 70 schools that are set to become broadband connection points by the end of the first quarter of 2021; the number of points envisaged to be created by the end of 2021 given the impact of Covid-19 by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1374/21]
View answerBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of December, some 241 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and will be connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. School BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband for educational use and more than 70 schools will have been connected by the end of January through ‘service provider' contracts managed by the Department of Education. An acceleration of the schools aspect of the project was announced late last year and will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/
The list below details the primary schools that have to date been connected to a high speed broadband service through the NBP, along with those schools that it is expected will be connected by end Q1 2021.
|
County |
Site Name |
EIRCODE |
|
CARLOW |
OUR LADY'S NATIONAL SCHOOL |
R93D340 |
|
CARLOW |
Saint Lazerian's School |
Y21EC60 |
|
CAVAN |
CORLEA NATIONAL SCHOOL |
A82AT88 |
|
CAVAN |
LARAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL |
A82XD80 |
|
CAVAN |
GREAGHRAHAN NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H14CH74 |
|
CAVAN |
KILDALLAN NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H14Y902 |
|
CAVAN |
SAINT PATRICK'S SCHOOL |
H16X981 |
|
CLARE |
Kilmurry McMahon Nat School |
V15D899 |
|
CLARE |
Shragh National School |
V15PY88 |
|
CLARE |
Ennistymon Nat School |
V95YP46 |
|
CLARE |
Stonehall Nat School |
V95EY06 |
|
CORK |
Ballycroneen Nat School |
P25TK38 |
|
CORK |
Clogagh Nat School |
P72EP38 |
|
DONEGAL |
DOAGHBEG NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F92D597 |
|
DONEGAL |
SCOIL NAOIMH COLUM |
F92ND30 |
|
DONEGAL |
DRUMFAD NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F92P683 |
|
DONEGAL |
SCOIL NAOMH CHOLMCILLE |
F92XV52 |
|
DONEGAL |
URBALREAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F93PN44 |
|
DUBLIN |
BALSCADDEN NATIONAL SCHOOL |
K32VK33 |
|
GALWAY |
BALLINAKILL NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H62DK60 |
|
GALWAY |
BROWNSGROVE NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H54KA44 |
|
GALWAY |
MWEENISH NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H91Y8K0 |
|
GALWAY |
Saint Joesph's Nat School |
H91WY28 |
|
GALWAY |
Scoil Caomhain |
H91C967 |
|
GALWAY |
Saint Colman's Nat School |
H91F8D2 |
|
GALWAY |
CAHERGAL NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H54C593 |
|
GALWAY |
SAINT MARY'S NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H53T291 |
|
GALWAY |
KILCROAN NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F45A099 |
|
GALWAY |
Briarhill National School |
H91E5C9 |
|
KERRY |
Boheeshil National School |
V93EC56 |
|
KERRY |
Dunloe Upper |
V93YN52 |
|
KERRY |
Coars National School |
V23Y597 |
|
KILDARE |
SAINT DAVID'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, PIPER'S HILL CAMPUS, KILLASHEE, NAAS, CO. KILDARE |
W91AE26 |
|
KILDARE |
RATHMORE NATIONAL SCHOOL, RATHMORE WEST, NAAS, CO. KILDARE |
W91VK46 |
|
KILKENNY |
Saint Aidan's National School |
R95XN76 |
|
KILKENNY |
LISTERLIN NATIONAL SCHOOL |
X91EA09 |
|
KILKENNY |
CREENKILL NATIONAL SCHOOL |
E41PW90 |
|
KILKENNY |
Saint Michael's Primary School |
E41TD34 |
|
LAOIS |
St. Joseph’s National School |
R14E225 |
|
LAOIS |
Shanganamore National School |
R14K659 |
|
LAOIS |
Killadooley National School |
R32A726 |
|
LAOIS |
Knock National School. Spink. |
R32PT62 |
|
LAOIS |
Gaelscoil an Tali Dála |
R32TN62 |
|
LEITRIM |
Saint Michael's Primary School |
F91YW25 |
|
LEITRIM |
Aughawillian National School |
N41E082 |
|
LIMERICK |
Limerick East Educate Together National School, Dromdarrig, Mungret, Co Limerick |
V9427P3 |
|
LIMERICK |
Gerald Griffin National School, Loughill. |
V94EK19 |
|
LIMERICK |
Tinnatarriff National School |
V94E670 |
|
LIMERICK |
Knocknadea National School |
V35DW73 |
|
LIMERICK |
Coolcappa National School. |
V42NT35 |
|
LIMERICK |
ANGLESBORO NATIONAL SCHOOL |
V35TX00 |
|
LIMERICK |
Mountcollins National School |
V94K036 |
|
LONGFORD |
Fermoyle National School |
N39E899 |
|
LONGFORD |
Naomh Guasachta National School (Bunlahy), Bunlahy, Ballinalee, Co. Longford |
N39KN92 |
|
LOUTH |
Walshestown National School |
A92CD53 |
|
LOUTH |
Saint Enda's National School |
A81E267 |
|
MAYO |
Scoil Néifinn, Keenagh, Ballina, Co.Mayo |
F26XR04 |
|
MONAGHAN |
DRUMCORRIN NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H16AK79 |
|
MONAGHAN |
Drumgossatt National School |
A81X827 |
|
MONAGHAN |
SAINT MARY'S SCHOOL |
A75P033 |
|
MONAGHAN |
SAINT BRIGIDS NATIONAL SCHOOL |
A75Y934 |
|
MONAGHAN |
ANNALITTEN NATIONAL SCHOOL |
A75YX46 |
|
MONAGHAN |
CONNONS NATIONAL SCHOOL |
H23EH04 |
|
OFFALY |
Shinrone National School |
R42XE30 |
|
OFFALY |
LUMCLOON N.S., LUMCLOON, CLOGHAN, CO. OFFALY |
R42Y744 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
Ballagh National School |
F42CF90 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
Termon National School |
F45K298 |
|
SLIGO |
CLOONLOO NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F52E288 |
|
SLIGO |
CALRY NATIONAL SCHOOL, (SAINT PATRICK’S NATIONAL SCHOOL) |
F91DP48 |
|
SLIGO |
ACHONRY NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F91WF65 |
|
SLIGO |
DROMORE WEST CENTRAL NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F26VW50 |
|
SLIGO |
SCOIL ASICUS NAOFA |
F91V003 |
|
SLIGO |
KNOCKMINNA NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F56TX23 |
|
SLIGO |
CORBALLA NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F26F582 |
|
SLIGO |
ST JOSEPHS NATIONAL SCHOOL |
F26FY07 |
|
TIPPERARY |
Poulacapple National School |
R95V324 |
|
TIPPERARY |
Killeen National School |
R42AK00 |
|
WATERFORD |
WHITECHURCH NATIONAL SCHOOL |
X35N560 |
|
WATERFORD |
FENOR NATIONAL SCHOOL |
X91VK31 |
|
WATERFORD |
Faithlegg National School |
X91TW82 |
|
WATERFORD |
Ballycurrane National School |
P36FR50 |
|
WATERFORD |
SAINT MARY'S NATIONAL SCHOOL |
X91KF85 |
|
WESTMEATH |
NAOMH MICHEAL |
N91FN29 |
|
WESTMEATH |
SCOIL NÁISIÚNTA BHRIDE |
N91PP71 |
|
WESTMEATH |
DALYSTOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL |
N91W207 |
|
WESTMEATH |
SCOIL NÁISIÚNTA AODHA NAOFA |
N91XF20 |
|
WICKLOW |
RATHCOYLE NATIONAL SCHOOL |
W91PN26 |
|
WICKLOW |
BALLINTEMPLE NATIONAL SCHOOL |
Y14Y248 |
|
WICKLOW |
SAINT KEVIN'S NATIONAL SCHOOL |
A98TR96 |
94. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his Department’s position on using wave energy as a means of contributing to Ireland’s energy resource mix; the advancements in wave energy that have been considered by his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1377/21]
View answerThe development of offshore renewable energy in our marine area will contribute towards the achievement of our 2030 and 2050 climate goals, while also having the potential to establish a valuable export market with tangible benefits to local marine users, neighboring coastal communities and Irish companies. The Programme for government commits to producing a plan setting out a path to achieve 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030. This plan will focus on utilising our existing energy and maritime infrastructure and will seek to create the right investment environment, while also supporting ocean energy research where necessary in the areas of floating wind, tidal, and wave power. Advancements in wave energy are monitored by the SEAI at a National, European, and Global level. Currently, no wave energy technology is sufficiently developed to be successfully/commercially integrated into Ireland’s energy generation mix. Wave energy is supported at national policy level through the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP), which has provided the basis for my Department supporting technology advancement in wave energy at device, sub-system component and auxiliary service level.
95. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has commissioned a study on the effect of the current carbon taxes in reducing the use of fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38839/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to increasing the carbon tax by the amount of €7.50 per tonne per annum to reach €100 per tonne by 2030, and to using a portion of the additional revenue generated to provide targeted social welfare increases and other initiatives to prevent fuel poverty amongst low-income families. Research commissioned by my Department and published by the ESRI in 2019 has analysed the effects of increasing carbon taxes on the use of fossil fuels. The report, "The economic and distributional impacts of an increased carbon tax with different revenue recycling schemes,” published on 8 October 2019, found that an incremental increase in the carbon tax reaching €80 per tonne in 2030, would help reduce economy-wide emissions by approximately 15% in 2030, compared to no increase in the carbon tax.
Building on this work, my Department commissioned further research in 2020 from the ESRI to examine the distributional benefits of utilising carbon tax receipts, including the impact of retrofitting on alleviating fuel poverty. As part of this programme of work, and on foot of a specific commitment in the Programme for Government, the ESRI published a report entitled, "Carbon taxes, poverty and compensation options," on 13 October 2020. The report identified a series of targeted direct social protection payment interventions that could be used to address the effects an increase in the price of fossil fuels would have on lower income households and examined the effect of each of these.In addition to raising the level of carbon tax by €7.50 per tonne, the Government committed, in Budget 2021, to significant increases in a targeted package of social protection supports. These supports were selected to address the impact of the increased carbon tax, as identified by the ESRI in the report referred to above. The specific measures are:
- an increase to the Qualified Child Payment of €2 per week for children under 12, and €5 per week for children over 12;
- an increase in the Living Alone Allowance of €5 per week; and
- an increase to the Fuel Allowance of €3.50 per week.The total cost of these interventions is expected to reach an estimated €153.5m in 2021. This will be part-funded by receipts from the increased carbon tax of €48m, with the remaining €105.5m cost to be funded by general Exchequer receipts. The analysis suggests that households in the first five income deciles will see increases in their disposable income as a result of these measures. Further information on these is measures is available on www.budget.gov.ie.
96. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding provided by the gum industry on an annual basis to assist with the cost of its removal; the corresponding figure for the tobacco industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1605/21]
View answerUnder the terms of an agreement with the Department in April 2018 the gum industry committed to spending €10.2m up to 2020 on awareness raising activities relating to the disposal of their products. No funding is provided to my Department by the gum industry to assist in the removal of waste gum products. In the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published last September, I committed to introducing an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for the tobacco industry by January 2023. This scheme, arising from the transposition of the Single Use Plastics Directive, will oblige producers placing tobacco products containing plastic filters on the Irish market to cover a range of costs. This will include costs associated with cleaning up litter, collection of products that are discarded in the public collection system and the subsequent transport and treatment of that litter and waste.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current availability of grant aid for the replacement of peat burning stoves with pellet burning heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1627/21]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Partial grants are available for individuals that can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty. Since 2000, over 400,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier and cheaper to heat and light. The 2021 budget for SEAI residential and community schemes is €221.5 million – the largest ever allocation for these schemes. SEAI grants encourage homeowners to reduce heat loss through the installation of insulation and ventilation in the first instance, before moving to replace heating systems. This is in line with the fabric first principle and best practice.
Grants for residential pellet burning heating systems are not available as an individual measure. However, grants for pellet burning stoves are available when included as part of a wider energy efficiency upgrade under the Community Energy Grant Scheme and the National Retrofit (One-stop-shop development) Scheme. Stoves installed must meet certain requirements and specifications.
The Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. Heat pumps are an attractive and extremely efficient alternative to stoves. Furthermore, heat pumps are very economical to run offering lower energy costs to homeowners as well as reduced carbon emissions.
Further information on SEAI grants is available at www.seai.ie/grants or by calling 1850 927 000.
98. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has read the recent NESC publication entitled Energy Transition Pathways and the Covid-19 Pandemic: An analysis of the green recovery responses in Denmark and Ireland. [42010/20]
View answerThe National Economic and Social Council (NESC) published a report, “Energy Transition Pathways and the COVID-19 Pandemic: An analysis of the ‘green recovery’ responses in Denmark and Ireland”, in November. I note the report’s observation that Ireland and Denmark have embraced the energy transition as a way to diversify their energy supply, and as an industrial strategy, and appear to be continuing along established trajectories towards decarbonising their electricity sectors. The report recognises the global disruption to economic and social patterns from the pandemic and highlights Ireland and Denmark as positive examples of countries continuing to decarbonise their economies while taking action to repair the damage from the Covid 19 pandemic.
I believe that measures to return the Irish economy to the level of activity prior to the pandemic can also be used to promote the green transformation. The Government’s July Stimulus Package, containing the retrofitting initiative and the Green Enterprise Fund, is one such example.
The Government is committed to addressing climate change and responding to the Covid-19 challenge as set out in the Programme for Government; I expect these commitments to be further addressed in the upcoming National Economic Plan and the review of the National Development Plan which is currently underway.
99. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to increase the number of electric vehicle chargers for public use in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1659/21]
View answerIn line with the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan 2019, this Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.
There are currently circa 650 standard public charge points and over 100 fast charge stations in Ireland (the majority of which are operated by the ESB). There are several public chargers in Co. Louth, including standard chargers in Dundalk, Blackrock and Drogheda amonst others and fast chargers at the Northbound and Southbound M1 motorway services in Castlebellingham. An interactive map showing ESB charger locations and their status can be found at www.esb.ie/ecars.
In addition, we have committed €10 million from the Climate Action Fund to promote the charging network across Ireland and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB. This intervention alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers (150kW), each capable of charging two vehicles
- 52 additional fast chargers (50kW), which may replace existing 22 kW standard chargers
- 264 replacement standard chargers (22kW) with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points
The high powered and fast chargers will be mainly concentrated on or near national roads and motorways to enable longer journeys to be completed. There has been two locations in Co Louth in which standard chargers have been replaced with fast chargers which include Bolton Square Public Car Park, Bolton Street, Drogheda and Public Car Park, Rampart Lane, Dundalk Co Louth.
More information on these upgrades can be found at https://esb.ie/ecars/our-network/high-power-charging-hubs.
My Department also supports the Public Charge Point Scheme which is administered through the SEAI and which will continue to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of this scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles (EVs), who do not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes, to charge their EVs. To date no chargers have been installed by local authorities under the scheme. The SEAI has, however, received a completed application from Louth County Council to install 20 charge points. This application is currently being assessed for approval.
Combined with an effective public charging network, Ireland's home charging policy will help sustain and service the expected growth of electric vehicles on Irish roads. Charging at home accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle charging in Ireland and to support home charging, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department, administers an EV Home Charger Grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit.
100. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plan in place by National Broadband Ireland for the roll-out of full broadband services to north-west County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1731/21]
View answer101. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plan in place for broadband connections to schools in north-west County Cork; if areas adjacent to schools being considered will be included for connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1732/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.Design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across every county in Ireland with over 153,000 premises surveyed as of December last. This is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company.
There are 79,424 premises within the intervention area for County Cork for the National Broadband Plan. As of 21 December, some 16,132 (20 %) premises have been surveyed in the areas of Carrigaline, Fountainstown, Ballinhassig, Monkstown, and Upper Rochestown. Surveys have commenced in the area of Rahtmore in North West Cork and 65% of the surveys in the area are now complete. Further details are available on specific areas across the country including County Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence.
I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of information available on the deployment of the NBI network and I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 21 December, some 241 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and will be connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Bere Island Heritage Centre, Laharn Heritage Centre, Ballindangan Community Centre, Aghabullogue Community Centre, Castletownkenneigh Community Centre, Lissavard Community Centre, Whitechurch Community Centre, T.o. Park Labbamollaga, Ballydaly Community Hall, have now had NBI equipment installed, with more locations planned over the coming months. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School in County Cork are planned for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise other schools with no high speed broadband, within the intervention area for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan has just been announced which will see almost 700 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/
102. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details for his Department for outsourcing to consultancies of specifically Covid-19-related work, services or advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1791/21]
View answerMy Department engaged QUADRA Ltd as consultants to assist in the preparation of a Covid 19 Response Plan for the Department as required under the Return to Work Safely Protocol which was developed by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health. QUADRA Ltd also provided advice specifically in relation to revised COVID19 compliant field procedures for GSI operations. The Department sourced the consultants from an Office of Government Procurement framework agreement.
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which meeting carbon reduction targets continues; if it is in line with or ahead of expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1883/21]
View answerThe 2009 EU Effort Sharing Decision established binding annual greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for Member States for the period 2013 to 2020. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest projections, our 2020 emissions could be 2% to 4% below 2005 levels, and we will need to avail of flexibilities in order to comply with our obligations. Covid-19 will undoubtedly impact our 2020 emissions, and this is not reflected in these projections. The EU Effort Sharing Regulation EU/2018/842 (ESR) established binding annual greenhouse gas emission targets for Member States for the period 2021 to 2030. The final agreement sets Ireland a target of 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It is important to recognise that this target will be amended following the European Commission’s plan to increase ambition from its existing EU wide 2030 target of 40% reduction to at least 55%, compared to 1990 levels. Legislative proposals to implement the new EU 2030 target will be presented by June this year, and additional effort will be asked of all Member States, including Ireland.
As set out in the Programme for Government, we are committed to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, equivalent to a 51% reduction over the decade and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, in line with EU ambitions.
As Minister for Climate Action, I will lead on delivering this ambition, which will more than halve our carbon emissions over the course of the decade. With the increased scale and depth of this ambition, new strategies will be needed to sustain a reduction trajectory that will increase over time. I am working with colleagues across Government to develop a new Climate Action Plan, with additional initiatives in every sector to bring about the significant change needed to transform our society. The Climate Action Plan will require annual revisions to address the need for intensive and regular monitoring and updating of policy actions to ensure we remain on track and within our emission limits, and will act as a further review mechanism and opportunity to adjust and refocus actions, as required.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the national grid currently relies and draws on renewable energy as a percentage of total requirement; if he has in mind specific proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1884/21]
View answer106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which the national electricity grid currently relies on the various renewable components in respect of electricity generation; the extent to which hydro, solar, biomass and wind on and offshore currently contribute to the requirements of the grid; his plans if any to augment production at all or either levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1886/21]
View answer107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the national electricity grid continues to rely on fossil electricity generated fuels; the degree to which this reliability has fluctuated in recent years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1887/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 106 and 107 together.
The Programme for Government provides that a reliable supply of safe, secure and clean energy is essential in order to deliver a phase-out of fossil fuels. The Government is committed to the rapid decarbonisation of the energy sector and will take the necessary action to deliver at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) published their Energy in Ireland report in December 2020, which is available at www.seai.ie. Table 12 and Table 17 on pages 35 and 50, respectively, of the report show the breakdown of electricity generated by fuel type. The tables give the shares of both fossil fuel and renewable energy components of electricity generated. The share of electricity generated by renewables was 37.6% in 2019, up from 33.0% in 2018. Wind was the largest share of renewable electricity at 32% with hydro at 2.8% and other renewables including biomass at 2.7%.
The Climate Action Plan included a commitment to deliver at least 3.5 GW of offshore wind by 2030, up to 8.2 GW of onshore wind and up to 1.5 GW of solar; the Programme for Government commits to a further increase in offshore wind deployment to 5 GW by 2030.The National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) (Table 6 of the Plan) sets out estimated trajectories by renewable energy technology in order to achieve the overall and sectoral trajectories for renewable energy from 2021 to 2030.
These technology levels are indicative and for electricity the level of each technology will be driven by technology costs and competitive auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) as well as major private sector funding through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements.The results of the first RESS auction were approved by Government in September 2020, with 82 approved projects made up of 479MW of onshore wind energy projects and 796MW of solar energy projects.
The Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and an annual reduction of 7% in overall greenhouse gas emissions to 2030, including through maximising the amount of renewable energy on the grid. Future advances in system flexibility, storage technologies including batteries and green hydrogen as well as regional and international interconnection will enable very high levels of renewable electricity on our grid.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the offshore wind energy sector is progressing to meet its targets within the next ten years with particular reference to the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1885/21]
View answer120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which wave and offshore wind electricity generation is being pursued as an alternative to reliance on fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1901/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 120 together.
The development of offshore renewable energy in our marine area will contribute towards the achievement of our 2030 and 2050 climate goals, while also having the potential to establish a valuable export market with tangible benefits to local marine users, neighbouring coastal communities and Irish companies.
The Programme for government commits to producing a plan setting out a path to achieve 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030. This plan will focus on utilising our existing energy and maritime infrastructure and will seek to create the right investment environment, while also supporting ocean energy research where necessary in the areas of floating wind, tidal, and wave power. Realising the potential of our offshore resources requires significant work to develop the legal, regulatory and economic regime. The Programme for Government commits to taking the following steps in this regard: Holding the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction for offshore wind this year;• Giving cross-government priority to the drafting of the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill;• Producing a whole-of-government plan setting out how we will deliver at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and how we will develop the necessary skills base, supply chains, legislation, and infrastructure to enable it.
In addition, the preparation and publication of a second Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP 2), is planned by my Department to account for technology developments, new environmental requirements and policy developments since the original plan was published in 2014.This will include updating the assessment of the potential for wind and wave energy in the offshore area.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which high-speed broadband is being made available to various industrial parks throughout the country in order to facilitate the increasing number of persons who may require the option of working from home or at a location close to their homes that can provide the modern facilities required and an element of office environment without long distance commuting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1889/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.Noting that the fibre roll-out is a long-term project, Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) were seen as a key early element of the NBP that could provide access to high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 21 December, 241 publicly accessible BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Services will vary at each BCP location – some sites will have desks and other equipment which can be used for remote working while others will have outside access only. Information is on a site by site basis and can be found via the map. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/
Any works that are required in the relevant buildings to cater for remote working will be carried out by the owners of the BCP with assistance, both financial and otherwise, from the Local Authority and local LEADER office.
An interdepartmental working group, chaired by the Department of Rural and Community Development is currently progressing work on hub infrastructure and development of remote working hubs. In that regard BCPs are only a subset of a much larger hub infrastructure. This Working Group will be looking towards enhancing a national hub infrastructure that provides a fair level of geographical access and a level of service that is appropriate given ongoing developments to future working arrangements.
109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which the national broadband plan continues at pace including the linking up of the various areas throughout the country in which the greatest efficiency occurs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1890/21]
View answer112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which high-speed, high-quality broadband is available throughout the country as a percentage of the total requirement; the progress towards dealing with the areas most poorly served at present; his anticipated targets by year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1893/21]
View answer114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he expects to meet the targets set for the provision of a satisfactory broadband service in all areas throughout the country; the measures being taken to address locations of particular deficiency in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1895/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 112 and 114 together.
As of December over 153,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company.
Nationally, NBI has construction underway on the first 19,237 premises, covering townlands in Carrigaline, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Ballinasloe. The first connections to the NBI network have already been made as part of a test and trial phase in Carrigaline, which in some cases include successful integration with a Retail Service Provider (RSP), with additional trial premises planned to be connected in January. NBI is targeting construction to have commenced in all 26 counties at the end of 2021, with construction actively underway in 41 Deployment Areas, covering approximately 130,000 premises.
As a wholesale provider, NBI will work with RSPs to provide connections directly to customers and a list of all providers will be available on NBI’s website – nbi.ie/where-can-i-buy – once a connection can be ordered. In the meantime, NBI encourages people to register their interest via the website, so they can be notified with the latest information.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of December, some 241 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and will be connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. School BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband for educational use and some 70 schools will be connected by the end of January through ‘service provider' contracts managed by the Department of Education.
The Programme for Government has committed to seek to accelerate the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. In this regard, my Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. NBI has established a dedicated team to investigate acceleration of the rollout from its current contracted schedule of seven years. Substantial work has been completed by this team to date with further actions scheduled over the coming months. This includes an assessment of the potential to utilise the ESB Network for certain areas and this work is on-going. The technical feasibility of whether the ESB network is compatible with the NBI solution has been the primary focus and NBI have undertaken site surveys and developed a detailed design for a pilot area using the ESB network, with the aim of establishing from this pilot exercise, the feasibility of using the ESB infrastructure on a broader basis.
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which the national broadband plan continues at pace including the linking up of the urban and rural areas throughout County Kildare in which the greatest efficiency occurs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1891/21]
View answer113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which high-speed, high-quality broadband is available throughout County Kildare as a percentage of the total requirement; the progress towards dealing with the areas most poorly served at present; his anticipated targets by year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1894/21]
View answer115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he expects to meet the targets set for the provision of a satisfactory broadband service in all areas throughout County Kildare; the measures being taken to address locations of particular deficiency in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1896/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 113 and 115 together.
As of 21 December 2020, over 153,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company.
There are 13,859 premises in Kildare that are within the intervention area for the National Broadband Plan. As of December some 2,818 (20%) have been surveyed in the following areas; Killashee, Oughterard, Naas Rural, Rathmore, Kill, Kilteel, Carnalway, Gilltown, Ballymore Eustace, Bodenstown, Naas Urban, Newtown and Donaghcumper. Surveys will be commencing in the areas of Athy, Coneyboro, Aughaboura, Ballinapark, Castlemitchell, Bert, Kilberry and Kilkea. Further details are available on specific areas across the country including Kildare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence.
I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of information available on the deployment of the NBI network and I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans.
Nationally, NBI has construction underway to provide access to the new fibre network to the first 19,237 premises covering townlands in Carrigaline, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Ballinasloe. NBI is targeting construction of the fibre network to commence in all 26 counties by the end of 2021.Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 21 December, some 241 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and will be connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Lullymore Heritage Park and Bigstone Community Hall have now had NBI equipment installed with more locations planned over the coming months. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Rathmore National School has also had NBI equipment installed for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise other schools with no high speed broadband, within the intervention area for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan has just been announced which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/
